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shrimp scampi pasta bake

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This shrimp scampi pasta bake combines tender shrimp, garlic butter pasta, fresh lemon, Parmesan, mozzarella, and herbs in one comforting baked seafood dinner. The pasta is coated in a bright scampi-style sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until hot and bubbly.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 790
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz linguine, spaghetti, or rigatoni
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Equipment

  • large pot For cooking the pasta
  • Colander For draining the pasta
  • large skillet For cooking the shrimp and scampi sauce
  • large mixing bowl For combining the pasta mixture
  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish For baking the shrimp scampi pasta
  • Tongs or silicone spatula For tossing the pasta mixture

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and season with salt, black pepper, and half the lemon zest. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until the shrimp are just pink, then remove from the skillet.
  4. Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet. Scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, scampi sauce, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, reserved pasta water, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and half the parsley. Toss until everything is well coated.
  6. Transfer the shrimp pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the shrimp scampi pasta bake is hot and bubbly.
  8. For a golden finish, broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully so the cheese does not burn.
  9. Finish with the remaining parsley and lemon zest. Serve the shrimp scampi pasta bake hot.

Notes

Cook the pasta only until just al dente so it does not become too soft while baking.
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining to help keep the sauce loose and silky.
Cook the shrimp only until just pink because they will continue cooking in the oven.
Scrape up the browned bits from the skillet when making the scampi sauce for extra flavor.
Toss the pasta thoroughly with the shrimp, sauce, butter, Parmesan, and seasonings before transferring it to the baking dish.
Broil only briefly at the end and watch closely to prevent the mozzarella from burning.
Finish with the remaining parsley and lemon zest just before serving.